Or at least a day in the life. I’m still not inclined to do hills *ahem* but I did a 7K solo stroll yesterday over mostly flat terrain. I’m not sure what the future holds for me physically, but I’m going to keep pushing forward as long as I can. Here is some of what I saw along the way:
Swan had some shopping to do in Olongapo (her sister is getting married on March 8), and I told her she could meet me at Sloppy Joe’s on her way back home.
I had skipped lunch, so a couple of beers later, I was ready for some grub. Swan was hungry too, and I suggested we walk the block to Myleen’s for dinner.
With our hunger satiated, it was time to take care of business. I had a 500 peso voucher for La Oficina that was due to expire, so that’s where we headed. La Oficina is a girly bar (dancers), which is not my thing, so I very seldom visit here. The VFW guys were holding an event when we arrived, so there was a pretty good crowd at first. We got a nice seat overlooking the stage and settled in–Swan with her red wine, me with my San Mig Zero.
Those coupons they hand out at the SOB always wind up costing me money. Yeah, my beers were free, but that didn’t limit my spending. I used to play darts with one of the waitresses, so naturally, I invited her to join us for a couple of lady drinks. One of the dancers caught my eye, but not in the way you might expect. She was attractive enough and young, but the look on her face when she took to the stage was heartbreaking. It was so obvious she hated her job and wanted to be someplace else, but like a lot of these women, she likely had no other viable option to earn money but to put her body on display. The way she held her arms folded over her bare midriff showed how shy she was. I shared my thoughts with Swan, and she agreed with my assessment. Swan also didn’t object to my going to the stage and slipping the sad dancer a tip and some words of encouragement. Yeah, back in the day, the hardcore mongers didn’t like guys like me setting that kind of bad example, dubbing me another “Captain Save-a-Ho.” I always wore that mantle proudly because even prostitutes are worthy of respect. I tried to make my barfines more of a date than just a “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.” Anyway, those days are long gone, but the sad girl on stage reminded me of why I always hated Angeles City and don’t spend much time now in the dancing bars.
A food vendor came into the bar selling treats Filipinas fancy, so I bought 300 pesos worth for the hardworking girls, and they seemed to appreciate it. My tab came to around 700 pesos, and I tipped my dart buddy and waitress before departing. So, yeah, that 500 peso coupon saved me big time!
I came home feeling no pain and went to bed early. Woke up to another fine morning in paradise. Keep ’em coming! It’s SOB Friday (coincidentally at La Oficina tonight) but I’ve invited the neighbors over for some fun at The Rite Spot On The Roof.
Today’s Quora Q&A:
Q: What do you call Spaniards who were born in Spain and went to the Philippines?
A: Colonizers.
Here are today’s “funnies” (yes, I am aware that’s a matter of opinion):
One of my country music favorites, Toby Keith, died earlier this month at age 62 from stomach cancer. I came across a video of him performing a song I’d never heard at a country music awards show last December. I’m not sure if it was his final live performance, but damn, the words really resonate.
Don't let the old man in I want to live me some more Can't leave it up to him He's knocking on my door And I knew all of my life That someday it would end Get up and go outside Don't let the old man in Many moons I have lived My body's weathered and worn Ask yourself how old you'd be If you didn't know the day you were born Try to love on your wife And stay close to your friends Toast each sundown with wine Don't let the old man in Many moons I have lived My body's weathered and worn Ask yourself how old you'd be If you didn't know the day you were born When he rides up on his horse And you feel that cold bitter wind Look out your window and smile Don't let the old man in Look out your window and smile Don't let the old man in
Words to live by.
Haunting words from Toby Keith. Did he write them? Ah—I see he did. I guess the “old man” is either his future self or the specter of death. Maybe they’re the same thing.
Burrito looks good! Lasagna looks like… something made by an Arizonan. (Frankly, it reminds me more of runny eggs and sausage for breakfast!)
Swan’s hungry face
Maybe she’s got that alien-hunger for your face. Your tasty, tasty face.
Talk about having a roof over your head!
Wow, that’s a lovely shot.
Lungs! How’s the carbocisteine working out?
Kev, I wondered about the “old man” reference, too. It’s based on something Clint Eastwood said to him. Eastwood wound up using the song in his movie The Mule.
Yeah, that lasagna didn’t look like lasagna. I had a bite, and it tasted good, though.
To the extent that I’m not hocking up as much phlegm as I was, the carbocisteine seems to be working. My oxygen level is in the mid-90s most of the time. Still having issues going uphill, though, which is concerning.
I’ll have to rewatch “The Mule.” I reviewed it a while back.
I thought it sounded familiar! I’ll go back and re-read the review now.